Important information on SNAP changes for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents

An individual who is ABAWD is an able-bodied person between the ages of 18 and 64 without children under the age of 14 in the household. You or any household member between the ages of 18 through 64 may be considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD). An ABAWD can only be eligible for three (3) months of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamp) benefits in a three (3) year period unless they are participating in the SNAP work requirement. Many SNAP ABAWDS are already complying with the work requirement. The ABAWD SNAP work requirement is:

• Work or volunteer with a reputable source at least 20 hours a week (80 hours per month) or more,
• Participate in a qualified training program for an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) or more, OR
• Participate in a combination of work, volunteer, and/or training program for an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month).

• A program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, including any service which organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual;
• A program under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, for example, training for a specific career path; OR
• Participating in SNAP Employment and Training programs.
  • Attendance in High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) classes.
  • Soft Skills Training (Resume development and improved interview skills).
  • Access to JOBS4TN.gov.
  • Job Training, Job search, and on-the-job training.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website for information on SNAP Employment and Training program at https://www.tn.gov/workforce/jobs-and-education/services-by-group/services-by-group-redirect/snapet.html

Individuals are exempt from the time limit if they are:

• Under 18 or 65 years of age or older; 
• Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment (verification required by DHS); 
• Responsible for a dependent child who lives in the household or residing in the household with a household member who is under 14; 
• Pregnant; 
• Exempt from the general SNAP work requirements under section 6(d) of the Food Stamp Act.

Special note: If you feel that you have a physical or mental barrier to employment, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. The types of services provided are based on the needs of the individual and are designed to help the individual to become employable. Vocational rehabilitation staff will assess the needs in order to determine an appropriate employment objective and provide appropriate services.

A household member can avoid losing SNAP eligibility by complying with the work requirements and providing the appropriate verification to your caseworker. If you think that you are exempt from the work requirement, you can contact your SNAP caseworker or provide the appropriate verification.

Customers who believe they qualify for an exemption are encouraged to upload their verification documents via the One DHS Customer Portal (https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp) no later than October 31, 2025. To see a list of  verifcation documents please visit our Eligibility Information page. 

An individual may regain eligibility at any time by meeting the ABAWD SNAP work requirement for 30 consecutive days or by meeting an exemption from ABAWD work requirements.

You can contact the One DHS Contact Center at 833-772-TDHS (8347) to inquire about your status. Go to the One DHS Customer Portal online (https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp) to share documents that verify your exemption or visit the DHS local county office. You will also receive a letter indicating you are required to meet the ABAWD work requirements.

The new time limit for ABAWD will begin January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The new time limit will allow ABAWDs that have previously exhausted their 3 months, to be potentially eligible for 3 months over the new 3-year period.

ABAWDs can only get SNAP for 3 months over 3 years or 36 months if they do not meet the necessary SNAP work requirements. The three months are cumulative, so participants can use an individual month at different times throughout the 36 months. To be eligible beyond the 3 months, ABAWD must work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week or participate in qualifying training program at least 20 hours per week, such as the SNAP Employment and Training program provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Due to implementation of HR1, there are changes for ABAWD eligibility. Your benefits could be impacted if you do not upload verification documents by October 31^st.